Gun Decision?

I am looking at purchasing my first handgun for home defense/range shooting. I have been researching the CZ 75 Compact, all-steel, 9mm pistol, and was pretty much set on getting that, but then I started to research the Glock 19, 9mm, which seems to be a stellar weapon. They are considerably different in construction. I was leaning toward an all-steel gun, but the Glock seems to be of solid construction.

Can some of you that own these guns give me a sales pitch, pros/cons, etc. I would certainly appreciate the help in this decision. Thank you in advance.

There is nothing wrong with polymer guns, they are lighter, easier to take care of, often cheaper, etc...the glock is an outstanding weapon, I dont have any experince with the CZ, but I would reccomend the g19 or g26 to anyone. It will last forever and a nice thing about Glocks is how well they hold up...mine has 1500 rounds through it and it still looks like brand new, even the barrel looks almost unused. Acessories are every where and cheap....the gun is 100% reliable and shoots with great accuracy..

I've read on this forum that Glock is due to anounce a new line of Glocks at the "SHOT" show next week.

Other than the "4th Gen" models?

Originally Posted by onalandline

Why do people have such an aversion to polymer guns? Is there a durability or quality issue, or is it more personal taste, and perhaps gun balance?

As a fellow pistol newbie, I'm curious about this seeming bias on some people's part.

I was an aeronautical engineer for 11 years and have been a professional pilot for over 9 years. I've been around "plastics", "composites", "polymers" or whatever you want to call them for some time. Given how those materials have made such an impact on aviation and have been proven over time, I'm surprised that there's such resistance to them in the firearms realm. For my part, I know that I've literally trusted my life to composites when I've flown.

In my opinion, CZs are one of the best kept secrets. When I first started researching pistols, I thought CZs were some sort of "second class" pistols. Upon further research, I discovered that they are very good weapons. I was at my local gun shop and was discussing guns with one of the workers. This individual had several Sigs, Glocks, S&W, etc. He mentioned that he shot competitively, and I asked him what he liked to use for competition. He said he uses a CZ 75B. Now here is an individual who can buy any gun he wants, the shop in which he works doesn't sell CZs and he uses a CZ for competition. Don't get me wrong here; many people use many different models and makes of pistols for competition, the majority of which are outstanding guns. I own a CZ P-01 which is NATO approved and this meant a lot to me. Not many guns can pass the rigors of this testing. I also own an M&P 9mm which I really love as well. My daughter owns a Glock 19 and is considering selling it because she likes my M&P more. Don't get too worked up about your decision because they are all good guns. Just pick one, save some money and then buy the other one...once you get the fever, you can't stop buying new toys!!

I own both poly and metal framed guns. The bias towards Poly guns is generally just that a bias or a old school mentality. Some guys just like their guns steel. No bad on that, but there is nothing wrong with 99% of all poly framed handguns.

Of the 2 you are picking from I would say hands down no contest the CZ. Why? I just love my CZ P-01. It is my favorite weapon and I have plenty of them. If I were forced to sell all but one of my guns the P-01 CZ75 compact is the one I would keep. The list is long as to why here are a few details I like about it.

>Aluminum frame so it os light and not a burden to carry
>it can be customized if you so desire
>It is accurate, reliable and easy to work on. IE take down and clean ect. I do not mean gunsmithing I have no experiance there
>Solid and feels great in my hand
>not to expensive

This is in no way a condemnation of the Glock or Glocks as a Brand, It is just my personal feeling and total satisfaction with every aspect of the CZ

My Glock 17 is my absolute favorite handgun. Have never owned a CZ but have heard good things about them. To my knowledge the local gun shops around here have yet to carry any CZs. Wish they would so I could see and hold one first hand.

Buy the gun you deem most practical first, then buy the one you crave but might be more impractical next. At least that's what I would do if I could turn back time. My first pistol was a taurus pt-22. I want to puke just admitting that. It looked neat in the gun shop but what a cluster#### reliability wise. Even after several warantee repairs. Lame doesn't begin to describe my pt 22. I voted for glock in your poll. My 27 has always been 100% reliable.

Here is one more positive point to consider about the CZ. I just purchased a .22 conversion kit for my P-01. It was easy to install and only cost me $350. I am hoping to shoot it for the first time this weekend. From all the posts I have reviewed, I am confident it will work flawlessly.

Speaking of conversions, you can do conversions on glock too. I just installed a lone wolf barrell into my glock 27, converting it to 9mm. You can convert a glock 40 to 357 sig also. You change the barrell and the magazine and that's it. The conversions are $100 from cheaper than dirt. I haven't shot since the conversion but everything I researched said no problemo.

Everyone likes something different. Buy whatever feels best to you. Then do not put it away. Take it to the range and shoot it often. Get used to it and any quirks it may have. Make shooting it second nature.